Arrived in Arequipa

We have safely arrived in Arequipa. The flight was about an hour and the view of the topography was spectacular!

Went for a nice lunch in the plaza then a quick walk around the main area to get our bearings.

Hoping to sleep well tonight for a full day tomorrow.

We are staying at the Casa de Melgar. This is a 16th century 'home' that was built for the Archbishop of Arequipa. I really should have packed my tiara, as I feel I'm in a castle.

Adios Lima

Our last day in Lima, mix of sun and cloud with a high of 24. The highlight of today's tour was definitely the Amano Museum, a private textile museum that has been closed for renovations but gave us a special pre tour! Here we saw textiles dating to 2500 BC to the 16th century. The condition of these textiles is remarkable. Many were from thr Paracas region of Peru. The weaving of the first piece was exquisite with the finest fibre you can imagine, in fact when Doris ( owner and curator) was restoring the piece it was not possible to find such a fine fibre, and ingeniously found something to substitute.

People of the Highlands spin standing while coastal people spin sitting, this creates a different twist in the fibres allowing identification.

The embroidery work is spectacular, especially when you think they used dried cactus needles for their work. 

The Imara culture believed that spinning from the left, meaning the work came from the heart and their textile was never cut.

Certainly a recurring theme these past days was "balance", it was important to have balance in their work which translates to their life.

Lima is a very busy city of 10 million, the traffic is a nightmare, buses everywhere, horns blaring.

I stayed in the Miraflores region, which is very clean and safe to walk. It has a number of beautiful parks, tennis courts, soccer fields, jogging/walking paths, and a park that even has exercise equipment in it such as elliptical machines. These parks are very well used by the residents.

Like all cities there are many different areas, from the very poor to the wealthy.

The people that we have met are pleasant and welcoming.

The foods are rich in flavours, lots of potatoes and bread- add red wine and I'm in heaven.

Beware of the red pepper, it looks like our sweet red pepper but it is very very hot! Surprise to the palette. In Lima there are many dishes using fish and/or seafood, but I was always able to easily find other things to enjoy.

We took a little side trip to the market to learn about the fruits and vegetables native to peru, some very interesting things and a feast for the eyes.

We tried a Chirimoya yesterday, it looks like a dinosaur egg, when opened its a custard sort of texture a tastes somewhere between a pear and an apple- it was quite good.

Well off to bed, we fly to Arequipa at 650AM, there is no sleeping in!

Pisco Sour

The Pisco Sours were delish, walked back to the hotel an finally able to get a connection to share some pictures. 

Weaving

This was another even more amazing day. We spent the morning with Maximo Laura (world renowned master weaver- check out his Facebook page). He is very humble, generous with his knowledge and kind an welcoming. We started at his showroom where we saw a display of some of his works and he gave us a colour demonstration-how to graduate colours in weaving. Then off to his home! Where we were able to see some more of his works in his home, meet his family and look at his office where he creates his designs. He is very organized and has some of his drawings from when he begun 40 years ago. Then a morning snack of several different potato dishes prepared for us by his wife and daughter, delicious( 5 varieties tried of 400). A glass of Chicha to wash it down (a drink made with purple corn).

Then to his workshop, where there were walls of yarn by colour shade. More demonstrations of colour techniques, ahhh. Then to see the weaving in process-- seeing his drawings come to life. This can't even begin to describe the experience!

Then a traditional Peruvian lunch, to a folk art museum and then the market.

Another very full day.

Tonight I try a Pisco Sour, a must have drink while in peru.

The Internet connection is a little temperamental, so will post some pictures later tonight- depending on how those Pisco Sours go down.

Lima

Our first day began at 630 AM to the sounds of birds singing. Slightly overcast and 22 with a projected high of 26. A fabulous breakfast of fresh fruit, rolls, coffee and eggs. We met the rest of our group, they hale from Britain. Now off for a tour with John Alfredo.

It has been a full and exciting day touring the historical district of Lima!

It is quite something to experience history from the 2nd century to present day. To stand atop a Huaca and see the modern skyline surrounding you is breathtaking. A Huaca is a pre Inca pyramid, at the Huaca Pucllana we were able to the remains of a femur. 

The Museo Larco takes you from the pre Columbian to the metal era of Lima, not to mention a collection of erotic pottery from the Moche era.

The Iglesias de Santo Domingo and the convent revealed more art, in tile work, paintings and statues. 

A delicious lunch in the plaza of roasted chicken and potatoes, sample one of the more than 400 varieties available. 

Our tour group is Anne and I from Canada and then 7  from the UK ( 1 poor husband).

Needless to say these are the highlights and we are "pooped", but in the best way possible.

Buenas Noches. Here is a pic of our group.

In the Air

Anne and I just finished a lovely airline dinner- did you know Air Canada serves a shepherds pie sans beef!

I have to say the Cabernet Sauvignon and chocolate cake were excellent.

A good flight, ready to get comfy and hopefully get a little sleep. 

Good Night, Buenas Noches!

Toronto

We have safely arrived in Toronto after a flight delay from Sudbury! It's raining and grey here, but we are bright and sunny looking forward to the next leg of our journey. A nice beverage and sandwich will keep us going for awhile longer. Cheers!